Cognative Tests¶

n-Back test.¶

About¶

Under repository\n_back\About\N-Back Test.pdf is useful information about the project. We suggest you read it before embarking on the rest of the assignment.

Software¶

The chosen software for this application is Python, using version 3.3.1

Modules used for the project where:

- PySide, for menus activities. Using Qt. (not a major issue so not included currently, revise later)
- PyAudio, for audio activities.
- PyGame, for the visual activities

Some configurations were applied to fit the screen according to the paper this experiment is based on.
The screen is a DELL: 1905fp - series [approx 41.5x41.5 http://reviews.cnet.com/lcd-monitors/dell-ultrasharp-1905fp/4507-3174_7-31232074.html ]

In order to convert we assume the following:

• Box in degrees 1.8 x 2.3
• Distance from screen: 0.6 m
• Box: 1.88 x 2.44 cm*
• Using "http://www.unitconversion.org/typography/pixels-x-to-centimeters-conversion.html" we get
• Pixels: 71 x 91

/* The calculations are: size = 2*(length from screen)* sin[(given angle)/2]</b>

How to run¶

Through the repository go to n_back and download the "N-Back.zip" file.

After downloading unzip. Open the N-Back folder and find the file "blackBox.exe" and run.

How it works¶

After running the file to start the program (see: "How to run") you are prompted to enter subject number from 1-99.
The program then checks if the name is taken, if not taken it creates a directory in the same directory you keep the the program. If the number is taken the program prompts a question to ask if you want to overwrite the folder, choose "y" for yes and "n" for no. If "n" is chosen then the program will exit.

Assuming that you have a legit file name and the directory has been created the test will begin.

First we have a black screen with text preparing the subject for the coming test.
Press space to start the first part of the test.

There are 3 test parts each composed of 6x20 figures running time approx 7.30 min - total running time for experiment > 22. min.
A time marker is added to a log for the following actions * Recording Start * Test starts * box shown on screen
These markers are saved in a file for the subject.

Between tests there is a prompt screen asking for space to continue. Each time space is pressed the recording starts and a marker is added.

When the test is finished the markers are all put in one file.

Stroop¶

About¶

The stroop test was designed and implemented by dr. Jón Guðnason, and is currently under evaluation and changes in the hands of the developers.

Software¶

The program was written in Python and is operated in windows. The program is a revised version of the Matlab stroop test, with changes requested by the Sálfræði experts.

The program executes a total of 5 runs, with each run consisting of a category of emotional words being displayed in random colors. An audio recording is saved for each run. A time log text file is also recorded, keeping record of all events in the program such as the time of the start of recording and the time of each word displayed. This allows for calculating the subject's response time.

EMG¶

Positions¶

Main reading subject was through " http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0057889#s2 ", secondary reading was done through scholar.google.com, referencing EMG, mental stress.

Several studies suggested that using the trapezoid and the neck was most efficient for our premise.
The location of the EMG sensors are shown on kine's homepage:
" http://kine.is/_count_file_click/Products/MMS/?file=files/4f9eb31892144.pdf "